Blog Post #13- Libraries in the News

1. Are Libraries a Thing of the Past?

Liberal Whingers are wrong – we should shut our libraries.” By British columnist John McTernan. http://goo.gl/Q2HkGO

1)When did you last use the PUBLIC library?

Fairly recently actually, I put a hold on a book a few weeks ago, and I picked it up a few days ago from the surrey public library.

2)Describe in point form, McTernan’s four arguments for closing public libraries.

McTernan argues that libraries are a thing of the past, he says “It’s an honourable tradition – but it’s over.”  He believes that one of the most important public library services is references but he says that now the internet is a far more superior; it gives the opportunity to be extremely informed very fast. He says that “We live in an information-rich society – so we should celebrate its availability, not yearn for a time when you had to go to the central library for it.”  He believes that the technology available in the library is too old and slow.  In addition he breaks the argument that “your local library is the gateway to a national and international network of literature and education,” by saying but so is your computer and it is far better since you have vast access.  He also negates the argument of that a library provides a meeting place by arguing that every child has a desk and computer at home and secondary school libraries are available otherwise.  Overall he believes libraries are a thing of the past and are no longer needed.

“Libraries have Thrived, despite technological developments” by British Columbia Library Association board of directors member Michele Wong. https://goo.gl/c42aEr

1)What are some of the reasons Wong gives to prove that libraries are relevant today?

She shows that libraries are still relevant by showing the statistics of the number of people who still have library cards and use the library currently; and how the number of visits and users increased. She argues that although we have the internet, some people are not technologically advanced or have the means to access technology. She also points out that many libraries are updated and advanced.  In addition, Wong says that libraries provide us with so much from English learning assistance to job-search assistance. The following statement by Wong summarizes her main point that “libraries are one of society’s great equalizers.”

2)  What are some of the services provided to the public through libraries? 

Public libraries provide a variety of useful services.  For example, there are traditional reading and story time options for children which support literacy and communication skills. As well libraries offer help with schoolwork, language skills and career counselling and much more.  Essentially, there is something for everyone.
3) What do you think she means when she says “libraries are one of society’s great equalizers”

When Wong says the aforementioned quote she means that libraries provide a safe, inclusive, adaptable community in which there are opportunities for everyone. They are available to almost everyone.

Assignment:

I completely agree with Wong’s points, I think public libraries are essential to a community. I love reading and public libraries are a valuable asset to me for all sorts of things from studying to checking out books. I completely agree when Wong says “libraries are one of society’s great equalizers,” she is saying that libraries are essential and provide a sense of community and offer so much variety which can appeal to all kinds of people. Libraries provide knowledge and literature to those who don’t have updated technology or can’t afford to purchase new books. As well they provide a space to study or meet with other people like a tutor or your peers.  It is a very neutral meeting place that doesn’t impose any pressure. As Wong says “Libraries are safe, comfortable communal spaces for people to come together to conduct business, learn, socialize, play and relax.” I completely agree with this statement. I personally feel that I have greatly benefitted from public libraries.  I took some classes there when I was little and now I use them to meet people to study or find books. Libraries are vital and “strive to remain relevant and accessible to everyone in their communities. Whoever you are, whatever your need, you get individualized, responsive service without judgment when you enter a public library.”

2. Technology and Libraries 

Article from the 2011 Globe and Mail “The Library is not Just a Book Warehouse Anymore”

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/news/british-columbia/the-library-is-not-just-a-book-warehouse-anymore/article591278/

1) Have you been to the Surrey Central Library?

I have not been to the Surrey Central Library.

2) Describe the ways in which the new Surrey Public Library is similar to Fraser Height’s library? How are the two libraries different?

It has comfortable seating areas and study areas.  As well it could also be categorized as a “third place,” our school library is definitely a gathering place.

3) What does the author suggest about the relationship between the physical space and the way that libraries are thought of by the public?

They are reducing the book space and making the library a learning space and a place for people to hang out.  Libraries are changing to a more relaxing social space.

“High-tech vs. no-tech: Two views of school” by Pete McMartinhttp://goo.gl/Nu1LaS

1) List the pros and cons of technology as outlined in the article.

Some pros mentioned in this article are that technology for learning increases engagement and that it can provide an alternative way of learning.  Some cons that are metntioned are that technology use in schools can be distracting and discorage learnign rather than stimulating it.

2) Using a dictionary, define pedagogy.  Create a bibliographic MLA reference for the dictionary you used. (hint: http://www.bibme.org/citation-guide/mla/)

According to Dictionary.com, pedagogy is noun meaning “the function or work of a teacher; teaching the art or science of teaching; education; instructional methods.”

("pedagogy". Dictionary.com Unabridged. Random House, Inc. 12 May. 2016. <Dictionary.comhttp://www.dictionary.com/browse/pedagogy>.)

3)What is North Vancouver’s Waldorf School doing differently from other schools in the lower mainland?

Waldorf school is deciding to refrain from letting kids use technology until they are in high school.  They believe in hands on instruction and using creative forms of learning.

4) Write a paragraph (minimum of 12 sentences) opinion piece explaining your viewpoint.  Should Fraser Heights follow the Waldorf school model

The Waldorf School believes in refraining from technology until students are at a high school level.  I understand why they want to do this and in some ways I think this is a good idea, however I don't think this should be implemented at our school.  I like the idea of not having the distraction of technology at school.  Personally I wish I had grown up around less technology, I feel as though if I did then I would have a greater attention span and more focus.  As well without the distraction of technology would’ve spent more time doing things that would be positive (being outdoors, reading more) instead of having screen time.  I don’t think that screen time is healthy for our brains at all but it is necessary as most homework and studying requires a laptop now and almost all the resources I use are found online. It is just far more easy to google than to look for books in a library and that is just a fact.  Ideally if I could’ve been born in an earlier generation without so many distractions I would’ve gladly taken that option, but that is just not reality and technology just becomes more predominant in our society each day.  Technology is a vital part of our world, I couldn’t even imagine going without it, which is why i cannot support the Waldorf school method because realistically i think technology is necessary. In addition, it is almost compulsory to be technology literate to be able to work in most jobs.  Almost everything is becoming accessible through the internet. And I’m aware that technology will just continue to advance and I think on top of it since it is so prevalent today.

3.  More News

My current event:

Citation:

Maika, Ashley. "Libraries Want Fair Prices for E-books." Northumberland Today. Northumberland Today, 11 May 2016. Web. 13 May 2016. <http://www.northumberlandtoday.com/2016/05/11/cobourg-among-libraries-wanting-fair-prices-for-e-books>.

The article cited above covers the transition most libraries are taking to move from paper books to ebooks, and the difficulty of purchasing ebooks for libraries.  One library in particular, which is interviewed in the article, the Cobourg Public Library has had 1,935 e-book checkouts in March alone. Unfortunately the major publishers have not made purchasing ebooks easy on the libraries budget. In addition, when libraries purchase an ebook they only have license to that one copy which means only one can be checked out at a time, which has resulted in a high waiting list for ebooks.  On top of this, sometimes there is an expiration date after a certain number of checkouts which means the library needs to re-purchase it.  Therefore an ebook can cost five times as much as the consumer price. Cobourg’s library CEO said “the fight for fair e-book pricing isn’t meant to take away profit from any party, but allow more accessibility to books from libraries without gouging their budgets.” However, one of the major publishers, Penguin Random House has lowered its ebook prices. The fight for fair ebook prices for libraries continues.

This article relates to libraries and education.  It discusses the challenge to bringing ebooks into libraries, which most libraries across the country are faced with. Ebooks will affect library operation as technology updates. Libraries are faced with the option to modernize and buy ebooks, but there are several difficulties to that as said in the article summary above. The decision of whether or not to buy ebooks depends on the demographic.  Most libraries do offer ebooks. It will affect people who use libraries, as some have preferences to ebooks. Many swear by ebooks and will be impatient with waiting and others like myself prefer physical copies that they can hold. Personally, I love physical copies of books, I couldn’t imagine converting to ebooks so the demand for ebooks wouldn't affect me.   As well many educational/school libraries have the option of ebooks and even e-textbooks so that will have an impact on education.  In conclusion, this article relates to libraries and education due to the fact that the struggle of purchasing of ebooks will affect both public libraries and school libraries.